Name: American English Vowel Sounds
Uploaded: 2024-01-17T17:52:56.013Z
Duration: 13 min 45 s

Working on vowel sounds in American English can be helpful for pronunciation. Here are some phrases that include different vowel sounds:
* 		Long A Sound:
    * "May I play on the stage?"
    * "Take the train to the lake."
* 		Short A Sound:
    * "Can you hand me the black cat?"
    * "Pack your bags and plan a fast snack."
* 		Long E Sound:
    * "She sees the green leaves on the tree."
    * "Read the sweet dream in the magazine."
* 		Short E Sound:
    * "Get ready to set the tent."
    * "Let's get some rest and then head west."
* 		Long I Sound:
    * "Find the kite in the sky."
    * "Time to climb and reach the high prize."
* 		Short I Sound:
    * "Did you bring a big gift for him?"
    * "It's a quick trip to the big city."
* 		Long O Sound:
    * "Go slow on the road to the grocery store."
    * "Hold the gold coin and don't let it go."
* 		Short O Sound:
    * "Drop the box in the hot pot."
    * "Lock the door and don't stop."
* 		Long U Sound:
    * "Cruise through the blue dunes."
    * "Choose the juice that's fresh and true."
* 		Short U Sound:
    * "The duck jumps in the mud."
    * "Cut the pumpkin into fun chunks."
Practice these phrases to improve your American English vowel sounds!

Accent Reduction

Vandi has extensive performance experience in multiple genres: professionally with opera, orchestra, chamber music, musical theater, straight theater, film, sacred works, church music, jazz, and contemporary music.

Credentials:
Russian Opera Workshop-Philadelphia 2020
Opera Programs Berlin-2020
Shenandoah University CCM Styles Vocal Pedagogy Summer Institute-2020
Meisner Training-Phoenix Theater with Bill Simmons 2017-2018
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Crittenden Opera Workshop 2017-Washington D.C.
CISCO 2017-Stage Combat Certifications
Vianden Summer Program 2016-Luxembourg 
CISCO 2016-Stage Combat Certifications 
MM in Vocal Performance, the University of Akron, May 2015
BFA in Musical Theater, Shorter University, May 2011
(Theatre minor and Equivalent of a piano minor)
Cosmetology Instructor's Certification and License, Gadsden State Community College, May 2007
Cosmetology Certification and License, May 2006

American English Vowel Sounds

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Are you looking to improve your singing skills and take your voice to the next level? My comprehensive guide is the perfect tool to help you master the art of singing. With my expert tips and techniques, you'll learn everything from breathing exercises to articulation and projection, giving you the tools you need to enhance your voice and develop your own unique style.

My guide includes chapters on vocal health, relaxation techniques, warm-up exercises, and much more, making it the ultimate resource for anyone looking to improve their singing abilities. As a professional vocal pedagogue with extensive training and experience in multiple genres, I'm excited to share my expertise and help you unlock the full potential of your voice.

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In our accent reduction lessons, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized approach tailored to your specific needs and goals. With my expertise as a Native American English speaker, extensive training in diction, public speaking, vocal pedagogy, and voice for the actor, along with years of private coaching experience, I am dedicated to helping you achieve the desired results in improving your accent.

Here's what you can expect to learn during our accent reduction lessons:

Pronunciation: We will focus on refining your pronunciation of individual sounds and identifying any specific areas where your accent may be hindering your clarity. Through targeted exercises and drills, we will work on correcting any mispronunciations and help you achieve more accurate and natural-sounding speech.

Intonation and Rhythm: Developing proper intonation and rhythm is crucial for sounding more like a native speaker. We will explore the melody and cadence of English speech, emphasizing stress patterns, sentence phrasing, and appropriate word emphasis. This will help you convey meaning effectively and enhance your overall communication skills.

Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions: To sound more natural and fluent, it's essential to expand your vocabulary and incorporate idiomatic expressions commonly used by native English speakers. We will explore relevant vocabulary related to your specific needs or professional field and work on incorporating these terms seamlessly into your speech.

Speech Patterns and Prosody: We will delve into the subtle nuances of English speech patterns and prosody, including word stress, sentence stress, and intonational patterns. By mastering these elements, you will be able to convey emotions, intentions, and emphasis more accurately, making your speech more engaging and persuasive.

Cultural Context: Understanding the cultural context behind language use is crucial for effective communication. We will explore cultural nuances, social conventions, and idiomatic expressions, ensuring that your speech reflects not just accurate pronunciation but also a deeper understanding of the English language and its cultural implications.

Independent Practice: Alongside our lessons, I will provide you with tailored exercises, resources, and guidance for independent practice. These materials will enable you to reinforce what you've learned during our sessions and continue honing your accent even outside the classroom.

Throughout our accent reduction lessons, my aim is to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment where you feel comfortable and motivated to improve your accent. Together, we will work towards helping you enhance your communication skills, sound more professional, and connect authentically with others.

When it comes to accent reduction, the subject specialties can vary based on the specific needs and goals of the individual. Here are some common subject specialties that can be addressed in accent reduction lessons:

Vowel Sounds: Focusing on the correct production of vowel sounds is crucial for improving accent clarity. Special attention can be given to differentiating between similar vowel sounds, such as /ɪ/ and /iː/, or /æ/ and /ɛ/.

Consonant Sounds: Understanding and accurately producing consonant sounds can greatly enhance accent reduction efforts. Particular emphasis can be placed on challenging sounds like /θ/ and /ð/ (as in "think" and "that") or /r/ and /l/.

Word Stress and Syllable Patterns: Mastering word stress patterns and syllable divisions can significantly improve the natural flow and rhythm of spoken English. This includes recognizing and applying primary and secondary stress, as well as understanding syllable structure.

Intonation and Pitch Patterns: Intonation refers to the rise and fall of the voice while speaking, and pitch patterns involve variations in pitch within sentences. Focusing on appropriate intonation and pitch patterns can help convey meaning, emotion, and intention accurately.

Linking and Blending: Enhancing skills in linking and blending sounds between words is essential for smooth and connected speech. This involves understanding how sounds interact and change when they occur at word boundaries.

Reduction of Mother Tongue Influence: Addressing specific challenges posed by the student's native language can be a specialized focus. Identifying and correcting mother tongue interference can help minimize accent-related issues.

Speech Rate and Pausing: Adjusting speech rate and incorporating appropriate pausing can contribute to clearer and more effective communication. This includes understanding when to pause for emphasis or to allow for comprehension.

Pronunciation of Specific Professional Terminology: For individuals seeking accent reduction in a particular professional field, specialized vocabulary and terminology can be incorporated into lessons. This ensures accurate pronunciation within the context of their work or industry.

Regional Accent Modification: Some individuals may wish to modify or reduce a regional accent specific to a particular geographical area. Addressing regional variations and working towards a more standardized accent can be a specialized focus.

Remember, these subject specialties are not exhaustive and can be tailored to individual needs. A qualified accent reduction coach can assess your specific requirements and develop a customized curriculum to help you achieve your accent reduction goals effectively.

I just completed my my first session with Vandi, and I have to say, she was stellar!  She was able to bring out different aspects of my voice that I didn't even know I had.  I cannot say enough good things!  Looking forward to the next session!

Vandi is AMAZING!! Love working with her. She has a world of knowledge and she likes to share that with her students. She gives great feedback!!!

My first impression of Vandi is that she is passionate about what she does, possesses a great deal of knowledge and training pertaining to singing, training the muscles involved with singing and overall growth and development as a singer. She was super friendly, organized, and encouraging! Just what I needed. I couldn’t be more excited about starting this journey with her!

Always positive, encouraging and pleasant. Very professional and focused on getting you to improve your voice or speech patterns.  Has many exercises to improve your own problems and can quickly switch to help you with new problems as they develop.Knowledgeable about vocal anatomy and public perceptions of different speech types which helps you recognize and understand what is happening as you speak. 

I highly recommend Vandi and after doing this realize how important it is for any person who speaks - which is mostly everyone -  to be cognizant of your own voice patterns and how to influence them

Vandi is very knowledgeable and supportive by providing insight about the subject.  She made me feel confident that I can improve my public speaking skills.

Personable, patient, informative, knowledgeable. Very cordial interaction.

Vandi is an excellent teacher, and skilled in teaching. She is very friendly, patient, and proficient in spoken English. I have noticed significant improvement in my English skills as I review my previous lessons, and I've greatly benefited from her instruction. Unfortunately, both of us are currently quite busy, making it challenging to find a suitable time for our lessons. However, if her schedule allows, I fully intend to resume lessons with Vandi on some vacation or next summer to further enhance my English skills. Thank you so much for teaching me English, and all the best to Vandi.

Just a great teacher. Great personality and breaks down everything for a better understanding.

My first lesson went well. Great and much needed information. I was an excited but nervous wreck. She made me feel comfortable and guided me through the basics.

So sweet and I look forward to meeting with her again!!!

Vandi was attentive to the fact that I had done limited choice acting already, so was prepared to discuss the business aspect of the job at length. I felt inspired by the information she provided to move more confidently into the voice acting arena.

Very impressed. Vandi has a wealth of knowledge and is able to convey it masterfully. She is very positive, and I looked forward to each session.

I admire doing different pitches, tempos and impressions when reading the monologues.

Practice W, V, Consonant Clusters, and Rounded Vowels with Me and Robin! 

Voice Lesson with Robin

Lesson Recording: 
Working with Robin after a break in lessons-Revisiting all of the consonant sounds in American English 
Working through the individual sounds, single words, and sentences incorporating the sound. 

Consonant Sounds:

/p/ as in "pat"
/b/ as in "bat"
/t/ as in "top"
/d/ as in "dog"
/k/ as in "cat"
/g/ as in "goat"
/f/ as in "fun"
/v/ as in "vet"
/θ/ as in "think"
/ð/ as in "this"
/s/ as in "sit"
/z/ as in "zip"
/ʃ/ as in "ship"
/ʒ/ as in "treasure"
/h/ as in "hat"
/tʃ/ as in "chat"
/dʒ/ as in "judge"
/m/ as in "mat"
/n/ as in "nut"
/ŋ/ as in "sing"
/l/ as in "let"
/r/ as in "rat"
/j/ as in "yes"
/w/ as in "wet"
/ʔ/ as in "uh-oh" (glottal stop)

"Peter picked a peck of perfectly plump peppers from the patch."

"Bobby bought a big blue balloon for his birthday bash."

"Tina taught Timmy to tie ten tiny turtles to the tall tree."

"Danny's dad decided to drive down the dusty dirt road during the dark evening."

"Kelly knew Kevin kept candy in the kitchen cabinet."

"Grace gave George a gift for graduating with great grades."

"Frank found five fluffy feathers floating freely in the forest."

"Victor's vibrant violet vase visually complements the velvet curtains."

"The thin thorn thrives through the thicket."

"Sally sells seashells by the seashore."

"Zoe's zany zebra zigzags zealously in the zoo."

"Sheila shopped for shoes in the shoe store."

"Measure the pleasure of leisure in the treasure of your leisure."

"Henry hurried home happily to have hot soup for dinner."

"Charlie checked the cheese chart to choose his favorite cheddar."

"Jennifer enjoys jogging with Jack and jumping over the jungle gym."

"Mary makes magnificent muffins every Monday morning."

"Nancy never neglects her nightly nap."

"Bringing along the singing songbird, Angela sang a soothing song."

"Lily loves to listen to lively jazz music at the local lounge."

"Roger ran rapidly around the rugged rocky terrain."

"Yes, you can join us for yoga tomorrow."

"Justin enjoyed the journey through the jungle, yelling with joy."

"Walter wore warm woolen mittens while walking westward in winter."

"Uh-oh, the kitten's gotten into the cotton."



































Consonants 

Tongue Twisters Articulation Practice

Lesson with Robin practicing W's and V's
We begin with single words, move on to two word combos, 
then do longer phrases and tongue twisters 



Lesson Working on W and V's

Lesson with Robin! 

Tongue twisters are a fun way to work on pronunciation and speech clarity. Here are some tongue twisters with American English sounds:
* 		Sally sells seashells by the seashore,
* 		The shells she sells are surely seashells.
* 		So if she sells shells on the seashore,
* 		I'm sure she sells seashore shells.
* 		Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
* 		How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?
* 		He picked a peck of pickled peppers,
* 		And they were all placed in a big wicker basket.
* 		She sells sea shells on the sea shore.
* 		The shells she sells are surely seashells.
* 		So if she sells shells on the sea shore,
* 		I'm sure she sells seashore shells.
* 		Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear.
* 		Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
* 		Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't very fuzzy, was he?
* 		How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?
* 		It can't, but a clean cream can can.
* 		Unique New York, New York's unique.
* 		You know you need unique New York.
* 		Betty bought some butter, but the butter was bitter.
* 		So she bought some better butter to make the bitter butter better.
* 		A black bug bleeds black blood, what color blood does a blue bug bleed?
* 		Six slippery snails slid slowly seaward.
* 		I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop.
* 		Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.
Give these tongue twisters a try, and have fun practicing your American English sounds!

American English Tongue Twisters





Title: Harmonizing Breath Release and Support: The Key to Vocal Mastery
Introduction:
In the symphony of singing, finding the delicate balance between breath release and support is an art that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. Today, we delve into the intricate dance of Breath Release and Support—a vital aspect of vocal technique that unveils the secrets to achieving sustained notes with finesse. Join us as we explore how mastering this balance can elevate your singing to new heights.
The Essence of Breath Release and Support:
Breath release and support are interwoven elements crucial for achieving vocal control and sustainability. Understanding this delicate equilibrium enhances your ability to navigate through phrases seamlessly, ensuring a polished and resonant vocal performance.
* 		Controlled Release of Breath:
Effective breath release involves a gradual and controlled exhale. This prevents abrupt or forced exhalation, allowing for smoother transitions between phrases and contributing to the overall clarity and expressiveness of your singing.
* 		Sustaining Notes:
Balancing breath release and support is especially crucial when aiming for sustained notes. While releasing breath steadily, maintaining underlying support from the diaphragm ensures the note remains steady, powerful, and well-rounded.
* 		Dynamic Expressiveness:
Mastering the art of breath release allows for dynamic expressiveness in your singing. It empowers you to infuse emotion into your performance, modulating your breath release to match the mood and intensity of the song.
* 		Preventing Vocal Strain:
A controlled release of breath, coupled with adequate support, helps prevent vocal strain. This is essential for maintaining vocal health, ensuring longevity in your singing journey.
Balancing Act: Breath Release and Support
* 		Focus on Diaphragmatic Engagement:
Ensure that your breath release is complemented by consistent engagement of the diaphragm. Visualize your breath emanating from deep within, providing a stable foundation for your voice.
* 		Practice Sustained Note Exercises:
Incorporate exercises that involve sustained notes into your vocal routine. Focus on maintaining a controlled release of breath while supporting the note with steady diaphragmatic engagement.
* 		Experiment with Dynamics:
Experiment with varying dynamics in your singing. Play with the volume and intensity of your breath release to add nuance and emotion to your performance.
Practical Exercise: Sustained Note Challenge
* 		Choose a comfortable pitch.
* 		Inhale deeply, focusing on diaphragmatic expansion.
* 		Release a sustained note, gradually increasing the duration.
* 		Maintain a steady and controlled release of breath throughout.
Closing Thoughts:
As you embark on the journey of harmonizing breath release and support, remember that it's a nuanced skill that develops with consistent practice and awareness. The balance between these elements holds the key to unlocking the full potential of your voice. Embrace the challenge, refine your technique, and revel in the joy of singing with newfound control and expression. Happy singing!

Harmonizing Breath Release and Support: The Key to Vocal Mastery

Title: Mastering Breath Control: Your Gateway to Effortless Singing

Introduction:

In the realm of singing, breath control reigns supreme. It is the linchpin that separates a good vocalist from an exceptional one. Today, we delve into the art of Breath Control Techniques—a skill that ensures a steady airflow, prevents breathiness, and alleviates strain during singing. Join us on this journey as we unlock the secrets to achieving vocal stability and control.

The Significance of Breath Control:

Breath control is the cornerstone of vocal mastery. It involves the deliberate management of your breath to maintain consistent airflow, allowing for sustained notes, clear articulation, and dynamic expressiveness. Let's explore why honing breath control techniques is pivotal for singers.

Sustained Phrasing:
Effective breath control enables singers to sustain notes and phrases effortlessly. This is particularly crucial in genres that require prolonged, powerful vocal delivery.

Pitch Precision:
Controlling the release of breath contributes to pitch accuracy. It helps singers navigate through various vocal registers without unintended fluctuations, resulting in a more polished and professional sound.

Preventing Breathiness:
A well-controlled breath prevents unwanted breathiness in your singing. This is vital for maintaining clarity and resonance, especially during softer or sustained passages.

Alleviating Vocal Strain:
Proper breath control alleviates strain on the vocal cords. When you manage your breath effectively, you reduce the risk of vocal fatigue and potential strain, promoting a healthier and sustainable singing technique.

Breath Control Techniques:

Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Engage your diaphragm by inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This technique forms the foundation for effective breath control.

Pacing Your Breaths:
Learn to pace your breaths strategically, matching your breathing patterns to the phrasing of the song. This ensures a seamless and controlled delivery.

Breath Support:
Focus on maintaining consistent breath support throughout your singing. Imagine your breath coming from deep within your diaphragm, providing a steady foundation for your voice.

Conscious Exhalation:
Develop awareness of your exhalation process. Avoid sudden or forced exhalation, aiming for a controlled and steady release of breath.

Practical Exercise: Paced Breathing

Let's practice a simple paced breathing exercise to enhance your breath control:

Inhale deeply for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of four.
Exhale slowly for a count of four.
Repeat this pattern, gradually increasing the count as you become more comfortable.
Closing Thoughts:

As you embark on the journey of mastering breath control, remember that it's a gradual process of refinement. Consistent practice of these techniques will empower you to navigate the intricacies of breath management, ensuring a steady and controlled airflow for your singing. Embrace the power of your breath, and let your voice soar with newfound freedom and expression. Happy singing!

Mastering Breath Control: Your Gateway to Effortless Singing

Title: Embrace Fullness: The Rib Expansion Exercise for Enhanced Vocal Control

Introduction:

As we continue our exploration of fundamental breathing techniques for singers, the spotlight turns to the often-overlooked yet immensely crucial Rib Expansion Exercise. This practical exercise plays a pivotal role in enhancing your breath capacity, promoting deeper breathing, and ultimately refining your vocal control. Join us on this journey as we delve into the anatomy of rib expansion and discover how it can elevate your singing prowess.

Understanding Rib Expansion:

The ribcage is not a fixed structure; it possesses the ability to expand and contract with each breath. The Rib Expansion Exercise focuses on utilizing this natural movement to its fullest potential. By engaging in exercises that promote the expansion of your ribs, you'll cultivate a fuller breath capacity and establish a solid foundation for nuanced vocal control.

Benefits of Rib Expansion:

Increased Breath Capacity:
The ribcage houses the lungs, and by consciously engaging in rib expansion exercises, you create more space for your lungs to expand fully. This increased breath capacity allows for sustained notes and phrases, a crucial element in achieving vocal endurance.

Enhanced Diaphragmatic Engagement:
Rib expansion and diaphragmatic breathing go hand in hand. As the ribs expand, the diaphragm is encouraged to descend more fully, creating a synergistic relationship that optimizes breath support and control.

Improved Posture and Alignment:
Rib expansion exercises often involve maintaining good posture, which contributes to optimal alignment of the spine. A well-aligned body promotes efficient breathing and reduces tension in the neck and shoulders, allowing for a more relaxed and resonant sound.

Practical Exercise: Rib Expansion

Let's engage in a simple yet effective rib expansion exercise to incorporate into your vocal warm-up routine:

Find a quiet space and stand or sit comfortably.
Place your hands on the sides of your ribcage, just below your chest.
Inhale deeply through your nose, focusing on expanding the ribcage outward.
As you exhale through your mouth, feel the ribs gently contract.
Repeat this process, emphasizing the lateral expansion of the ribs with each inhalation.
Closing Thoughts:

The Rib Expansion Exercise is a valuable tool in your vocal toolkit, promoting deeper breaths, enhancing control, and enriching your overall singing experience. As you incorporate this exercise into your regular practice routine, you'll find yourself equipped with newfound breath awareness and a fuller, more resonant voice. Embrace the expansion, and let your voice soar to new heights. Happy singing!

Embrace Fullness: The Rib Expansion Exercise for Enhanced Vocal Control

Title: Unlocking Vocal Power: A Deep Dive into Diaphragmatic Breathing

Introduction:

Breathing is the foundation of a singer's artistry, and mastering the technique of diaphragmatic breathing can be a game-changer in unlocking the full potential of your voice. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of diaphragmatic breathing—a fundamental skill that not only supports your voice but also contributes to creating a powerful and resonant sound.

Understanding Diaphragmatic Breathing:

The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle located beneath the lungs, is the powerhouse of your breath control system. Unlike shallow breathing, which relies on the chest and shoulders, diaphragmatic breathing engages the diaphragm to draw in air deeply into the lungs. Let's delve into why this technique is a cornerstone for singers.

Increased Lung Capacity:
Diaphragmatic breathing allows for a fuller expansion of the lungs, maximizing the amount of oxygen that can be taken in with each breath. This increased lung capacity provides the fuel needed for sustained notes and phrases, enhancing vocal endurance during performances.

Stabilizing the Voice:
Engaging the diaphragm stabilizes the airflow, preventing an erratic and uncontrolled release of breath. This stability is crucial for maintaining consistent vocal quality and tone, reducing instances of breathiness or strain while singing.

Resonance and Projection:
The controlled release of breath achieved through diaphragmatic breathing contributes to enhanced resonance. As the diaphragm supports the voice, it allows for a more significant amount of air to be expelled, resulting in a fuller, more projected sound that can captivate audiences.

Reducing Vocal Strain:
Diaphragmatic breathing promotes a relaxed state in the upper body, reducing tension in the neck and shoulders. This, in turn, minimizes strain on the vocal cords, creating a more sustainable and healthier approach to singing.

Practical Tips for Diaphragmatic Breathing:

Now that we understand the importance of diaphragmatic breathing, let's explore a practical exercise to incorporate into your daily vocal routine:

Find a quiet space and sit or stand comfortably.
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand as your diaphragm engages.
Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen contract.
Repeat this process, focusing on the expansion and contraction of your abdomen rather than the movement of your chest.
Closing Thoughts:

Mastering diaphragmatic breathing is an ongoing journey that yields significant rewards in vocal control and expression. By integrating this technique into your practice routine, you'll find yourself equipped with a powerful tool to support your singing endeavors. Embrace the process, and let the resonance of your voice soar to new heights. Happy singing!

Unlocking Vocal Power: A Deep Dive into Diaphragmatic Breathing

This is an actual lesson recording of working with Robin on W's mainly but also incorporating exercises for R's and V's.  Robin is a more advanced student, but if you follow along and practice with the sounds and shapes, you should be able to improve! 

Vandi E.